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The dust specks then hit the Earth’s atmosphere at 109,600 mph and vaporise with friction from the air leaving behind streaks in the sky.

The meteors produce tend to produce this intense burst of sparks lasting for around a day.

What time will the 2018 Lyrids peak? What to expect

The Lyrids usually peak on the night of April 22 moving into the morning of April 23.

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Lyrid meteor shower: What time will it peak? What to expect

But this year’s peak is predicted to take place a full night earlier - that is Saturday, April 21 leading into Sunday, April 22.

The best time to view the display is after nightfall and before dawn, with ample viewing opportunities expected in the Northern Hemisphere.

EarthSky said skywatchers will better their chances the later they watch because Vega will be higher in the sky.

The astronomy website said: “Around the Lyrids’ peak, the star Vega rises above your local horizon – in the northeast – around 9 to 10 pm local time (that’s the time on your clock, from Northern Hemisphere locations).

Meteors in pictures

Fri, November 18, 2016

Express Pictures brings you Earth's encounters with meteors captured from around the world.